James William “Billy” Wise, age 98, passed away on September 23, 2025. He was born on August 25, 1927, in Monroe, LA , to Joe Lindsey Wise and Willie “Bill” Huffman Wise

James “Billy” Wise attended Wood Jr College in Mathiston, Mississippi, Mississippi State University in Starkville Mississippi, and University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi where he received BS in Pharmacy. Billy owned Wise Drugs in Maben from 1961 until 1993.

Billy loved his family, church and community. He was member of the Maben Methodist Church. He was member of the Lion’s Club, a Mason, and served on school boards, as well as various other responsibilities focusing on city and community. Billy served in the Navy in WW II.

Billy is survived by two daughters, Miggie Wise Fowler (Bill) of Maben and Melonee Wise Green (Bobby) of Ridgeland; one son, James Hunter (Jim) Wise (Angela) of Lutz, FL; along with his grandchildren Pratt Fowler (Jogebeth), Sarah Fowler Presley Derek) , and Matt Davis( Brittney), as well as seven great-grandchildren.

Billy is preceded in death by his wife and love of his life Sue Hutchison Wise; parents, to Joe Lindsey Wise and Willie “Bill” Huffman Wise; his brother Charlie Homer Wise and his sister Mary Joe Wise. He also was preceded in death by Mary Frank White, who he married later in life.

Visitation will be on Thursday September 25, 2025, from 12:00 pm until 1:00pm, at Maben Community Church. A graveside service will be held immediately following at Maben Memorial Gardens.

Acknowledgement- the family would like to pass along their appreciation to the owners, staff, caregivers and patients at Brooklyn Hall Personal Care Home, as they helped provide comfort during the last months of our dad’s life